Bangladesh Women secured their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 34-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates in the final league-stage match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 8.
Led by Nigar Sultana Joty, Bangladesh defended a modest total of 103/7 with an outstanding all-round bowling performance to eliminate the hosts and set up a semi-final clash against India.
Bangladesh Recover After Early Collapse
After winning the toss, UAE captain Esha Oza elected to bowl first, and her decision paid immediate dividends.
Off-spinner Suraksha Kotte ripped through Bangladesh’s top order, reducing them to 8/2 inside the opening three overs. Opener Juairiya Ferdous and captain Nigar Sultana steadied the innings with a 29-run partnership before Archara Supriya dismissed Juairiya for 16 from 20 balls.
Nigar then added another useful stand with Sharmin Akhter, taking Bangladesh beyond the 50-run mark. However, Suraksha returned to remove the Bangladesh skipper for 23 off 28 deliveries, leaving the visitors under pressure once again.
The innings was revived by Sharmin Akhter and Nahida Akter, who combined for a crucial 42-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Sharmin top-scored with 38 off 31 balls, while Nahida remained unbeaten on 16 from 26 deliveries as Bangladesh finished on 103/7 in their 20 overs.
Suraksha Kotte starred with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 3/11 from four overs. Indhuja Nandakumar also impressed with 2/21, while Heena Hotchandani bowled an economical spell without taking a wicket.
Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate the Chase
Defending 104, Bangladesh made the perfect start when Marufa Akter dismissed UAE captain Esha Oza with just the fourth ball of the innings.
That early breakthrough shifted the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour. UAE struggled to build partnerships throughout the chase and never recovered from the loss of their skipper.
The only notable resistance came through two 14-run stands. Heena Hotchandani scored 18 from 19 balls, while wicketkeeper Theertha Satish contributed 11 off 24 deliveries. No other UAE batter reached double figures as the hosts finished on 69/9 from their 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined team performance. Rabeya Khan led the attack with excellent figures of 3/14, while Marufa Akter claimed 2/9 and Nahida Akter picked up 2/18. Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun also chipped in with one wicket each as Bangladesh comfortably defended the total.
Nahida Akter Named Player of the Match
Nahida Akter was named Player of the Match for her valuable all-round contribution. She scored an unbeaten 16 during Bangladesh’s innings before producing another impactful spell with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/18 from four overs.
Her performance played a key role in guiding Bangladesh into the knockout stage.
Semi-final Awaits India
With the victory, Bangladesh booked their place in the first semi-final, where they will face Harmanpreet Kaur’s India on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The comprehensive win highlighted Bangladesh’s strength with the ball and ensured they advanced to the final four with confidence despite posting a modest total.
